Opinions

Monday, May 28, 2012

90 Properties Could be Torn D
The government is eyeing properties on St. Paul's East Side as part of a possible high-speed transit route.
It's part of the Gateway Corridor project. The Gateway Corridor runs from Minneapolis to Eau Claire, Wis., along I-94. But one phase would run from downtown St. Paul, up East Seventh Street and then down White Bear Avenue, reconnecting with I-94 out to Manning Avenue in Woodbury. Right now, planners prefer a high-speed bus route for that initial phase.
But, if that route is chosen, it would mean 90 homes and businesses would have to be torn down. Three of those properties are considered icons of their neighborhood on the corner of White Bear Avenue and Minneahaha Avenue. The big three that would have to go are The Cherry Pit, The Little Oven and Big Steer Meats. Those three have sat on that corner, collectively, for nearly a century.
The cost of the project would be close to $500 million, with most of that money coming from the federal government. A final decision on the route won't be made for another year or two.
own on St. Paul's East Side | KSAX.com